Pakistan’s rugby trailblazer: Ayesha Khuram to captain England’s first ‘Muslimah Rugby Team’
Pakistan’s rugby trailblazer: Ayesha Khuram to captain England’s first ‘Muslimah Rugby Team’
LAHORE: Pakistan Rugby Union’s grassroots development programme has produced another inspiring success story as Ayesha Khuram, who first discovered the sport through the Asia Rugby “Get into Rugby” initiative in Lahore, has been named the inaugural captain of England’s newly established Muslimah Rugby Team.
Her remarkable journey from a beginner on the rugby field in Pakistan to becoming a player, coach and influential leader in England reflects the growing impact of grassroots rugby development and the opportunities the sport continues to create for young athletes.
Ayesha’s rugby career began when she attended an Asia Rugby “Get Into Rugby” session organised jointly by the Pakistan Rugby Union and Lahore Rugby Football Club. What started as an introduction to an unfamiliar sport soon evolved into a passion that would shape her future.
Following her move to the United Kingdom, she continued developing her skills at school before joining Fullerians Rugby Football Club. Progressing steadily through the Under-16 and Under-18 age groups, Ayesha earned promotion to the club’s senior women’s team through consistent performances and unwavering commitment.
Her impressive displays also secured selection for the Hertfordshire County Under-18 squad, while her outstanding season culminated in the prestigious Fullerians Under-18 Forward of the Year award in 2025.
Now pursuing higher education at the SOAS University of London, Ayesha represents the university’s women’s rugby team and has been elected President of the SOAS Women’s Rugby Society for the 2026-27 academic year.
Beyond competing on the field, she dedicates her weekends to coaching young children, helping introduce newcomers to rugby while promoting the sport’s core values of teamwork, discipline, respect and inclusion.
Her latest milestone is perhaps the most significant. Ayesha has been entrusted with captaining the newly formed Muslimah Rugby Team in its inaugural fixture.
The pioneering initiative, spearheaded by British-Ghanaian rugby trailblazer Zainab Alema with support from the Rugby Football Union (RFU), seeks to make rugby more accessible to Muslim women and girls while fostering an inclusive sporting environment.
Ayesha Khuram’s extraordinary rise from Lahore’s grassroots rugby programme to leading a historic team in England is a proud achievement for Pakistan Rugby Union and a shining example of how investment in youth development can transform lives.
Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across Pakistan, proving that one opportunity can pave the way for international recognition and lasting success.۲
